Trendy Barn Weddings Have Rural Residents Furious

Have a Pinterest account? Then you've likely drooled over a rustic wedding at a barn, complete with Mason jars, rustic place settings, and lots and lots of twine. But the Internet's love of country-chic weddings has a negative side—for people who actually live near barns, that is.

According to the New York Times, residents of farming areas across the country are protesting neighbors who have turned barns into event venues without obeying zoning laws. It's a booming market, but not without its downsides.

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For many residents, the noise can get out of control on summer nights. "They blare music all night long, they have college students out there screaming, and everyone's drinking," Iowa resident Laurie Tulchin told the New York Times. And opponents raise an important issue—these barns are sometimes not correctly regulated and monitored, which can create safety and sanitation issues.

Wedding-barn owners say charging for events is the best way to pay for the expensive structures, since they're mostly outdated on modern farms. Plus, it's a cost-effective way to preserve America's agricultural history.

Still dreaming of hosting a wedding in a barn? You'll only have more choices in years to come, as more businesses respond to growing demand. But be sure to vet your venue for safety and zoning regulations—and don't let your guests get too rowdy.

On the agenda: cocktails on the lawn and a reception that would take over the first two floors of the six-story barn.

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